Gas Prices Near Highest in 1,000 Days

Riverside County residents are mere days away from paying the highest gas prices in about three years.

Average retail gasoline prices in Riverside County have risen 2.9 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.48 per gallon on Sunday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 481 gas outlets in Riverside. This compares with the national average that has increased 4.1 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.65 per gallon, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Riverside during the past week, prices yesterday were 51.8 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 13.2 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 12.6 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 33.1 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

According to GasBuddy historical data, gasoline prices on April 2 in Riverside have ranged widely over the last five years: $2.96 per gallon in 2017, $2.83 per gallon in 2016, $3.19 per gallon in 2015, $4.01 per gallon in 2014 and $4.05 per gallon in 2013.

Areas near Riverside and their current gas price climate:

San Bernardino- $3.44 per gallon, up 2.1 cents per gallon from last week’s $3.42 per gallon.

Orange County- $3.52 per gallon, up 1.7 cents per gallon from last week’s $3.50 per gallon.

Los Angeles- $3.56 per gallon, up 0.7 cents per gallon from last week’s $3.55 per gallon.

“As the Basketball version of March Madness wraps up today, its just getting established at gas pumps across the country. This past week has not only brought higher gas prices, but in addition, the national average finds itself mere days away from rising to the highest level seen in nearly 1,000 days,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. “The usual suspects are at play, leaving little surprise to the higher prices we’re facing, but that’s little comfort to motorists being hit with gas prices in 17 states that have risen over 15 cents per gallon in the last 30 days alone. Think of the spring surge as a bit of a race — some states will see their price rally early and fast-paced, while others may lag behind — so no matter if prices near you surged or haven’t yet, we’re all going to eventually feel a similar rise amongst all states.”

About The Author

Cindy Uken is a respected, award-winning journalist who is persistent in getting the details of a news story so readers will be better informed about political, healthcare and veteran news. She is a veteran journalist who brings a fresh perspective to local online political news. As the CEO of Uken Report, she is driven by providing an alternative digital platform for the latest breaking online news throughout the Coachella Valley.